Which X Cid Fanfiction Stories Depict Cid'S Slow-Burn Romance With His Childhood Friend?

I’ve stumbled upon several 'The Eminence in Shadow' fanfics that dive into Cid’s slow-burn romance with his childhood friend, often focusing on the tension between his dual identity and her genuine affection. One standout fic has Cid accidentally revealing glimpses of his true self during mundane moments—like sharing stolen sweets on a rooftop or defending her from bullies without his usual theatrics. The writer nails his internal conflict, balancing his chuunibyo delusions with fleeting vulnerability. Another story spans years, showing their bond deepening through letters exchanged during his 'training journeys,' where his absurd excuses for absences somehow charm her. The best part is how authors weave in canon humor, like Cid misinterpreting her romantic gestures as 'NPC side quests.' For a fresh take, look for fics where she joins Shadow Garden unknowingly, forcing Cid to improvise increasingly ridiculous cover stories.

I’m particularly drawn to fics that explore societal expectations clashing with their relationship. One AU reimagines them as nobility in an arranged marriage, where Cid’s over-the-top schemes to avoid duties accidentally impress her family. The slow burn here thrives on missed opportunities—Cid dodging heartfelt confessions by monologuing about 'the blood moon’s omen,' only for her to smile fondly at his antics. Another gem involves time loops where Cid relives their childhood, gradually noticing her quiet support during his 'dark rebirth' phase. These stories shine when they contrast his absurdity with her grounded patience, making their eventual kiss feel earned.

The charm of Cid’s slow-burn romances lies in how fanfic writers amplify the mundane. I adore stories where his childhood friend treasures his ridiculous 'Shadow Wisdom' notebooks, secretly transcribing them into a coded love diary. One fic frames their relationship through a series of festival traditions—each year, she ties a charm to his sword hilt, which he dismisses as 'mana purification rituals' until the tenth charm finally breaks his denial. Another plot has her inheriting a café where Cid 'trains' by taste-testing pastries, oblivious to her using recipes from his mom. Writers cleverly mirror canon’s humor, like Cid interpreting her jealousy over Alpha as 'rival faction aggression.' What hooks me is the emotional payoff—when Cid finally abandons a monologue mid-sentence to hug her during a thunderstorm, it feels like decades of buildup crystallizing into one perfect moment.

Time-loop fics dominate this trope for me. Imagine Cid’s friend reliving the day he left for the academy, trying countless ways to confess—only for him to spout nonsense about 'the demon lord’s seal' each time. The best version has her exploiting his delusions, staging 'evil cult attacks' to spend time with him. I’ve seen darker spins too, where Cid’s obsession with being Shadow inadvertently hurts her, making his eventual realization gut-wrenching. One standout fic uses his potato obsession as a metaphor for their relationship; she plants a secret garden to keep him nearby, and he mistakes her care for 'agricultural warfare training.' The slow burn works because Cid’s epiphany isn’t about love—it’s realizing she’s always been his 'ultimate accomplice.'

Crossovers surprisingly handle this dynamic well. A 'Spy x Family' fusion fic recasts Cid as a detective whose childhood friend is Yor’s apprentice. His 'shadow persona' gets tangled in her assassin missions, blending action with awkward romance. Another merges 'The Eminence in Shadow' with 'Tonikaku Kawaii,' rewriting Cid’s friend as immortal—their bond stretches across lifetimes, with her patiently waiting for him to outgrow his delusions. These fics thrive on juxtaposing Cid’s absurdity with genuine emotional stakes.